Storm Water Management

All the water from rain and snow that falls in Hopkins and is not absorbed or evaporated runs into the City's storm sewer system, entering through storm drains found in streets and gutters.

Storm sewer pipes then carry this clear water (not waste water, which goes through the sanitary sewer system) to streams, ponds, or other water bodies.

Storm Water Grants

Storm water grants are available to some, find more information about these grants.

Where Your Water Goes

Hopkins is divided by two watersheds-the Nine Mile Creek Watershed and Minnehaha Creek Watershed. The northern and eastern portions of the city drain to Minnehaha Creek, and the southern and central portions of the city drain to Nine Mile Creek. The city has been delineated into about 60 subwatersheds.

Blue Star Award

In 2010, Hopkins was one of four cities in Minnesota to be awarded a Blue Star Award, given to communities that are taking a leadership role in protecting Minnesota's water resources and public health through excellence in stormwater management.

How It Gets Polluted

As the water moves to the drains, it picks up sediment and pollutants from yards, streets, parking lots, roofs, etc., and carries them through the storm sewer system into creeks, ponds, and other water bodies. This can include soil, leaves, grass clippings, pet waste, oil, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and litter, all which can have a damaging effect on the natural body of water they end up in.